Safe Haven: Shrines of Esoptron

[Participant in the Royal Road Magazine contest]

Humanity seeks light. Monsters spawn in darkness.

An Esoptron Shrine towers above each city, beacons to humanity's continued survival. Vast mirrors imbued with primordial magic, they reflect the light of truth through gloom and glamor alike. A citymeans refuge. Sanctuary. A chance to live again. Outside is nothing but wasteland and wilderness, full of cunning fae and devouring beasts. That way lies madness.

Yet for the life of him, Jachai can't help but wonder what it's like outside his safe haven. And he's willing to risk everything to find out.